Man accused of attempted murder in 2004 incident

Anthony Bartolo, 26 of Pieta this morning started undergoing a trial by jury after pleading not guilty to the attempted murder of Darrel Luke Borg and Clint Mangion.

The incident happened outside Bamboo Bar in Paceville in October 2004 when Mr Bartolo allegedly stabbed Mr Borg in the neck, causing a 10cm long laceration right through a neck muscle.

Clint Mangion suffered injuries to one of his hands.

Mr Bartolo also stands charged with illegally carrying a knife and causing grievous bodily harm to Pierre Micallef on the same occasion.

The court heard how Mr Bartolo in a police statement said that he had thrown a knife into the sea and had shown divers of the AFM where it was, but they were unable to find it.

Mr Bartolo said he did not know how the fight had occurred but could remember that the incident had occurred inside the club and the bouncers had thrown a large group of people out.

Police Inspector Jeffrey Azzopardi said Mr Bartolo had cooperated with the police and answered all their questions.

The trial continues.